The 


NATIVITY 


A Christmas  Service 


ARRANGED  BY 

ROSAMOND  KIMBALL 


Copyright,  1916,  by  Rosamond  Kimball 


Republished  by  courtesy  of  “ The  Youth* s Companion * 


PRICE  35  CENTS 


New  York 
SAMUEL  FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

25  WEST  45TH  STREET 


London 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Ltd. 
26  Southampton  Street 
STRAND 


Ihi 


imwfcftUiTir  uf  HUMS 


■ >:■ 


SOUTHUMBERLAND’S  YULE-TIDE,  a fascinating  and 

practical  community  Christmas  masque,  by  C.  Arthur  Coan.  This 
delightful  festival  is  written  in  the  spirit  of  the  traditional  Yule 
celebrations  of  olden  days,  and  is  so  conceived  as  to  permit  the 
whole  school  or  community,  old,  young,  rich  or  poor,  to  take  an 
active  part.  The  costumes  are  fully  described  and  the  instructions 
are  in  detail.  Suitable  for  community  or  school  use.  Price,  50 
cents. 

MOTHER  GOOSE’S  CHRISTMAS  VISIT.  An  entirely  new 

and  original  entertainment  for  children  by  Edith  Thompson  Langley. 
This  very  pleasing  entertainment  embraces  most  of  the  Mother 
Goose  characters,  and  any  number  of  children,  boys  and  girls, 
young  and  old,  can  lake  part.  Songs  and  specialties  can  be 
introduced  and  the  action  prolonged  to  any  length  of  time  desired. 
It  introduces  Santa  Claus  and  the  Christmas  tree  and  all  the  favorite 
characters  of  the  little  ones.  It  is  an  admirable  entertainment  for 
the  Christmas  holidays,  and  is  printed  complete  with  music,  sug- 
gestions for  staging,  costuming,  etc.  Flays  about  an  hour.  This 
entertainment  has  always  been  a great  success  wherever  produced. 
Price,  30  cents. 

THE  GIFT.  A symbolic  play  in  one  act  by  Marie  A.  Foley.  The 
action  passes  in  a simple  room  of  a little  house  near  Judea  during 
the  lifetime  of  Our  Lord.  The  characters  are  two  men,  one  woman 
and  three  children.  The  costumes — tunic  draperies — make  it  easily 
possible  to  be  played  by  an  all  female  cast.  Joel,  a little  lame  boy, 
firmly  believes  the  Galilean  can  cure  him  of  his  lameness  if  he  will 
go  and  ask  Him.  In  preparation  the  boy  makes  a wreath  of  white 
roses  as  a gift  for  the  Galilean.  Huldah,  with  whom  Joel  lives,  a 
woman  with  neither  heart  nor  imagination,  ridicules  the  boy’s  faith, 
throws  the  wreath  into  the  fire  and  frustrates  the  boy’s  going  by 
leaving  him  in  sole  charge  of  her  father,  an  aged  and  infirm  man. 
A stranger,  blind,  also  seeking  the  Galilean,  to  regain  his  sight, 
stops  at  the  door  for  food  and  rest.  The  boy  takes  him  in.  Acci- 
dentally the  stranger  comes  in  contact  with  the  charred  wreath 
which  Joel  has  dragged  from  the  fire.  The  stranger  hears  about  the 
wreath’s  purpose  and  offers  to  carry  it  to  the  Galilean.  Joel  explans 
its  sorry  plight.  “The  Galilean  will  understand,”  answers  the 
stranger.  “But  it  is  black  and  ugly,”  exclaims  the  boy.  “But  not 
the  heart  that  fashioned  it,”  he  is  answered.  The  stranger  then 
learns  of  the  boy’s  desire  to  be  cured  and  offers  himself  to  remain 
there  with  the  aged  man  while  the  boy  goes  to  get  his  heart’s  desire. 
The  boy  accepts  the  stranger’s  great  sacrifice  (much  to  the  disappoint- 
ment of  the  old  invalid)  and  leaves  the  house.  However,  in  a few 
minutes  the  boy  is  back  again  crying  out  that  he  cannot  go.  “If 
is  much  worse  being  blind  than  being  lame.”  The  stranger  is  put 
upcn  the  road  by  the  boy  to  seek  the  Galilean.  The  boy  watching 
him  through  the  window  sees  the  stranger  meet  with  a Traveller, 
sees  the  giving  of  his  burnt  wreath  to  the  Traveller,  its  trans- 
formation into  beautiful  crimson  roses  as  it  touches  the  Traveller’s 
hands,  then  the  return  of  the  stranger  no  longer  blind  to  the  house. 
In  his  joy  the  boy  leaps  across  the  room  to  the  door  to  find  that  his 
crutches  have  dropped  to  the  floor  and  he  has  leaped  across  the 
room  unaided — cured.  The  play  ends  with  much  joy  for  all  three 
in  the  room  while  outside  is  heard  the  voice  of  the  unbeliever, 
“Strange  we  missed  Him;  He  must  have  passed  this  way.”  The 
stranger  answers,  “Yes,  He  passed  this  way.”  Price,  35  cents. 


SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Publisher,  25  West  Forty-fifth  St. 
New  York  City 


THE  NATIVITY 


This  Nativity  Service  is  composed  entirely  of  selections 
from  the  Bible,  arranged  in  dramatic  form  on  the  plan 
of  a mystery  play,  picturing  the  incidents  of  the  gospel 
story  of  The  Nativity  and  accompanied  by  Christmas 
Carols,  adapted  to  easy  production  by  young  people. 
The  Service  has  the  threefold  appeal — the  Bible  words, 
accompanied  by  music,  with  the  actual  scenes  of  the 
Nativity  story.  It  is  so  arranged  that  it  can  be  given 
within  the  church  itself  as  a unique  and  wonderfully  im- 
pressive Christmas  Service. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/nativitychristmaOOkimb 


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FOREWORD 

One  Sunday  afternoon  at  Christmas  time,  a few  years 
ago,  a throng  of  children  were  hurrying  toward  a church. 
There  were  rich  children  and  poor  children,  of  many 
nationalities  and  of  many  creeds,  all  eagerly  going  in 
one  direction  that  cold  December  day.  Inside  the  church 
there  was  a stir  of  excitement,  and  a hundred  eager  eyes 
were  fastened  on  the  long  curtain  that  concealed  the 
pulpit  platform. 

As  the  lights  were  lowered  and  the  choir  began  a 
chant,  a hush  fell  upon  the  congregation — then  the  cur- 
tain parted  and  the  Nativity  Service  began.  In  deepest 
reverence  the  congregation  listened,  stirred  by  an  atmos- 
phere of  holiness  so  intense  that  it  seemed  as  if 
the  very  gates  of  heaven  had  been  flung  open  in  that 
little  church. 

When  the  last  scene  came,  showing  the  light  shining 
out  from  the  manger,  one  little  child  five  years  old  slid 
down  from  his  seat,  saying,  “I  must  go,  mother.” 

“But  it  is  not  over,”  she  whispered.  “You  cannot  go.” 
“Mother,  I must  go,”  the  child  repeated.  “I  must  go 
and  look  into  the  cradle,  and  see  the  gentle  Jesus.” 

Another  little  boy  a few  years  older,  after  eagerly  tell- 
ing about  it  when  he  reached  home,  concluded  with  these 
words : “Of  course  I knew  that  Jesus  wasn’t  really  there, 
but  I would  rather  see  that  cradle  with  the  light  in  it 
than  all  the  Santa  Clauses  in  the  world !” 

Since  that  Christmas,  the  Nativity  service  has  been 
given  in  many  churches,  in  settlements,  and  in  a hos- 
pital. Each  year  the  children  flocked  to  see  it  in  added 
numbers.  Last  Christmas  a group  of  little  ones  not 
over  four  years  old  arrived  at  the  church  two  hours 
before  the  festival  began ; they  had  walked  two  miles 
in  the  bitter  cold  to  be  in  time  to  get  seats  in  the  front 
pew. 

The  following  description  of  how  the  service  was 
produced  has  been  prepared  in  the  hope  that  it  may  be 
of  use  to  other  churches  in  giving  a Christmas  festival 
that  cannot  fail  to  leave  a deep  and  lasting  impression 
in  the  hearts  of  all  who  see  it. 

3 


f (50995 


THE  CHARACTERS  IN  THE  SERVICE 


Mary — A young  girl  between  14  and  18  years  of  age. 

Joseph — A tall  boy  between  14  and  18  years  of  age. 

Gabriel — A fairly  tall  young  girl  between  14  and  18 
years  of  age  with  a musical  speaking  voice. 

Zacharias — A tall  boy  between  14  and  18  years  of  age. 

Three  Shepherds — Little  children  between  5 and  8 
years  of  age. 

The  Angel  who  gives  the  message  to  the  Shepherds — A 
little  girl  about  7 or  8 years  old  with  a clear,  sweet 
voice. 

Three  Wise  Men — Boys  about  17  or  18  years  old  who 
can  sing 

The  Heavenly  Host — Fifteen  to  twenty  children  of 
various  ages  who  can  sing. 

SCENES 


I.  The  Temple. 

II.  The  Annunciation. 

III.  The  Shepherds  in  the  Field. 

IV.  The  Nativity. 


THE  NATIVITY 

A CHRISTMAS  SERVICE 

ARRANGED  BY  ROSAMOND  KIMBALL 

The  service  opens  with  the  singing  by  the  congrega- 
tion of  “O  come,  all  ye  faithful,  joyful  and  triumphant,” 
or  some  other  Christmas  hymn. 

As  the  hymn  closes,  the  lights  are  lowered,  and  the 
choir  chants  behind  the  curtain,  Isaiah  lii,  7-10:  “How 
beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that 
bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace  . . 

THE  TEMPLE 

This  scene  follows  closely  the  description  of  the  sanc- 
tuary as  given  in  Exodus,  Leviticus,  and  Hebrews.  The 
sanctuary  contains  the  altar  of  incense  in  the  centre, 
the  table  of  shewbread  on  the  right,  and  the  seven- 
branched  golden  candlestick  on  the  left  (Hebrews  ix,  2). 
Just  back  of  the  altar  are  the  green  screens  that  conceal 
the  Nativity  scene.  A curtain  of  old  gold  or  any  other 
soft,  rich  color  is  hung  over  the  screens  to  form  an  ef- 
fective background. 

The  altar  is  represented  by  a small  square  table  or  box, 
over  which  gold  lacquer  paper  has  been  pasted.  On  the 
altar  is  a brazier  containing  a few  live  coals,  on  these 
just  enough  incense  is  sprinkled  to  produce  a thin  cloud 
of  smoke. 

The  seven-branched  candlestick  rests  on  a low  table 
or  stand  covered  with  a white  cloth  on  the  left  side  of 
the  altar  (Exodus  xxvi,  35).  When  the  angel  appears 
he  speaks  to  Zacharias  from  behind  the  candlestick,  which 
should,  therefore,  be  of  such  a height  that  the  lighted 
'andles  will  come  below  the  angel’s  head. 

The  shewbread,  on  the  right  of  the  altar,  is  placed  on 

5 


another  low  table  covered  with  a white  cloth.  Thick, 
round  crackers  are  used  to  represent  the  shewbread. 
They  are  laid  in  two  rows  of  six  each  (Leviticus  xxiv, 
5-6). 

The  action  which  is  described  in  italics  is  to  take 
place  during  the  reading  of  the  paragraph  just  preceding 
it.  Thus,  for  example,  when  the  reader  says:  “There 
was  in  the  days  of  Herod,”  Zacharias  enters  and  per- 
forms his  service  at  the  altar  while  the  reading  is  in 
progress.  Gabriel  enters  when  the  Reader  says:  “An 
Angel  of  the  Lord.” 

Follow  this  policy  throughout  the  service. 

At  the  close  of  the  chant  the  curtain  parts  and  the 
reading  begins. 

Reader.  There  was,  in  the  days  of  Herod  the  king 
of  Judaea,  a certain  priest  named  Zacharias,  of  the  course 
of  Abia:  and  his  wife  was  of  the  daughters  of  Aaron, 
and  her  name  was  Elisabeth.  And  they  were  both 
righteous  before  God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments 
and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless.  And  they  had 
no  child,  and  they  both  were  now  well  stricken  in  years. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  that  while  he  executed  the  priest’s 
office  before  God  in  the  order  of  his  course,  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  priest’s  office,  his  lot  was  to  burn 
incense  when  he  went  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  And 
the  whole  multitude  of  the  people  were  praying  without 
at  the  time  of  incense.  ( Zacharias  enters,  carrying  in- 
cense on  a brass  platter.  He  goes  to  the  altar,  sprinkles 
some  of  the  incense  on  the  coals,  places  the  platter  at 
the  base  of  the  altar,  and  stands  with  his  back  to  the  con- 
gregation, his  hands  crossed  on  his  breast  and  head  bowed 
in  prayer ; then  slowly  raises  his  arms  above  his  head  and 
looks  upward  as  the  smoke  of  the  incense  ascends.)  And 
there  appeared  unto  him  an  angel  of  the  Lord  standing 
on  the  right  side  of  the  altar  of  incense.  (The  angel 
quickly  appears  and  stands  behind  the  candlestick,  with 
hand  upraised,  while  he  speaks.)  And  when  Zacharias 
saw  him,  he  was  troubled  and  fear  fell  upon  him.  ( Zach- 
arias draws  back  in  awe.)  But  the  angel  said  unto  him: 

Angel.  Fear  not,  Zacharias : for  thy  prayer  is  heard ; 
and  thy  wife  Elisabeth  shall  bear  thee  a son,  and  thou 
shalt  call  his  name  John.  And  thou  shalt  have  joy  and 
gladness;  and  many  shall  rejoice  at  his  birth.  For  he 


shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  shall  drink 
neither  wine  nor  strong  drink ; and  he  shall  be  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  many  of  the  children  of  Israel 
shall  he  turn  to  the  Lord  their  God.  And  he  shall  go 
before  him  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias,  to  turn  the 
hearts  of  the  fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  disobedient 
to  the  wisdom  of  the  just;  to  make  ready  a people  pre- 
pared for  the  Lord. 

Zacharias.  Whereby  shall  I know  this?  for  I am 
an  old  man,  and  my  wife  well  stricken  in  years. 

Angel.  I am  Gabriel,  that  stand  in  the  presence  of 
God;  and  am  sent  to  speak  upon  thee,  and  to  shew  thee 
these  glad  tidings.  And  behold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb,  and 
not  able  to  speak,  until  the  day  that  these  things  shall  be 
performed,  because  thou  believest  not  my  words,  which 
shall  be  fulfilled  in  their  season. 

(The  curtain  closes  as  Zacharias  stands  with  bowed  head 
before  the  angel.) 

Reader.  And  the  people  waited  for  Zacharias,  and 
marveled  that  he  tarried  so  long  in  the  temple.  And 
when  he  came  out,  he  could  not  speak  unto  them  ( Zacha- 
rias steps  out  in  front  of  the  curtain  and  stands  before 
the  congregation  with  parted  lips,  as  if  eager  to  speak  ) 
and  they  perceived  that  he  had  seen  a vision  in  the  temple  ; 
for  he  beckoned  unto  them,  and  remained  speechless. 
(He  slowly  raises  his  hand,  in  a gesture  of  wonder.) 
And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  soon  as  the  days  of  his  min- 
istration were  accomplished,  he  departed  to  his  own  house. 
(He  takes  one  step  back  behind  the  closed  curtain.) 

The  choir  sings:  “Draw  nigh,  Immanuel”  (first  and 
last  stanzas).  The  curtain  parts  during  the  last  stanza. 

THE  ANNUNCIATION 

A prayer  stand  is  placed  on  the  left  of  the  platform 
toward  the  back,  and  a tall  vase  of  lilies  at  the  right 
near  the  front.  The  curtain  that  was  thrown  over  the 
screens  in  the  background  during  the  Temple  Scene 
can  be  replaced  by  a dark  blue  one,  or  the  screens  can 
be  left  uncovered. 


7 


Reader.  And  in  the  sixth  month  the  angel  Gabriel 
was  sent  from  God,  unto  a city  of  Galilee,  named  Naza- 
reth, to  a virgin  espoused  to  a man  whose  name  was 
Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David ; and  the  virgin’s  name 
was  Mary.  And  the  angel  came  in  unto  her  and  said: 

( Mary  enters , pauses  by  the  lilies,  touches  them  and  bends 
over  to  smell  them,  then  passes  over  to  the  prayer 
stand,  turns  the  leaves  of  the  Bible,  and  becomes 
absorbed  in  reading.  Suddenly  the  angel  appears 
just  back  of  the  prayer  stand.  Mary,  in  wonder, 
takes  a few  steps  backward.) 

Angel.  Hail,  thou  that  art  highly  favored,  the  Lord 
is  with  thee : blessed  art  thou  among  women. 

Reader.  And  when  she  saw  him,  she  was  troubled 
at  his  saying,  and  cast  in  her  mind  what  manner  of 
salutation  this  should  be.  And  the  angel  said  unto  her: 
Angel.  Fear  not,  Mary;  for  thou  hast  found  favor 
with  God.  And,  behold,  thou  shalt  bring  forth  a son, 
and  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS.  He  shall  be  great,  and 
shall  be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest:  and  the  Lord 
God  shall  give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father  David : 
And  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  forever;  and 
of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end.  The  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  shall 
overshadow  thee ; therefore  also  that  holy  thing  which 
shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God. 
For  with  God  nothing  shall  be  impossible. 

(At  the  words  “Son  of  the  Highest” — Mary  sinks  upon 
one  knee  with  her  arms  crossed  upon  her  breast.) 

Mary.  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord;  be  it  unto 
me  according  to  thy  word.  ( Mary  bows  her  head.) 
Reader.  And  the  angel  departed  from  her. 

(As  the  angel  departs  Mary  gazes  after  him  in  wonder, 
then  rising,  passes  to  the  prayer  stand  and  kneels 
in  silent  prayer  while  the  choir  chants  the  Magnificat 
(Luke  i,  46-50,).  At  the  close  of  the  chant  the  read- 
ing continues.) 


8 


Reader.  And  Mary  arose  in  those  days,  and  went 
into  the  hill  country  with  haste,  into  a city  of  Juda. 

(Mary  rises  and  leaves  the  room  by  the  same  way 
through  which  she  entered.) 

CURTAIN 

The  choir  sings : “It  came  upon  the  midnight  clear.” 
During  the  singing  of  the  last  stanza  the  curtain  parts. 

THE  SHEPHERDS  IN  THE  FIELD 

A camp  fire — made  by  placing  electric  lights  covered 
with  red  tissue  paper  in  the  midst  of  a few  hemlock 
boughs — is  in  the  foreground  on  the  left.  If  the  sides  of 
the  chancel  have  been  decorated  with  Christmas  greens 
and  pine  trees,  this  with  the  green  screens  and  the  low- 
ered lights  are  all  that  is  necessary  to  give  a vivid  sug~ 
gestion  of  a field  at  night. 

Reader.  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  that  there 
went  out  a decree  from  Caesar  Augustus,  that  all  the 
world  should  be  taxed.  (And  this  taxing  was  first 
made  when  Cyrenius  was  governor  of  Syria.)  And  all 
went  to  be  taxed,  every  one  into  his  own  city.  And 
Joseph  also  went  up  from  Galilee,  out  of  the  city  of 
Nazareth,  into  Judaea,  unto  the  city  of  David,  which  is 
called  Bethlehem  (because  he  was  of  the  house  and 
lineage  of  David),  to  be  taxed  with  Mary  his  espoused 
wife.  And  so  it  was  that  while  they  were  there  she 
brought  forth  her  first  born  son,  and  wrapped  him  in 
swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a manger ; because 
there  was  no  room  for  them  in  the  inn.  And  there  were 
in  the  same  country  shepherds  abiding  in  the  field,  keep- 
ing watch  over  their  flock  by  night.  ( The  shepherds 
enter  and  seat  themselves  in  a semi-circle  on  the  ground 
at  the  left.)  And,  lo.  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone  round  about  them ; 
and  they  were  sore  afraid.  And  the  angel  said  unto 
them : 

(At  the  words  “ Angel  of  the  Lord” — The  angel  swiftly 
enters  from  the  right,  and  stands  with  hand  raised. 
The  shepherds  start  to  their  feet  and  draw  back  a 
few  steps  in  awe.) 

Angel.  Fear  not : for,  behold,  I bring  you  good  tid- 
ings of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people.  For 

9 


unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a Saviour, 
which  is  Christ  the  Lord.  And  this  shall  be  a sign  unto 
you : Ye  shall  find  the  babe  wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes, 
lying  in  a manger. 

Reader.  And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  angel  a 
multitude  of  the  heavenly  host,  praising  God,  and  say- 
ing: (Many  children  in  soft  white  robes  enter  swiftly 
from  the  right  with  both  arms  raised,  their  flowing  sleeves 
giving  the  appearance  of  floating.)  The  angels  burst  into 
the  chant:  “Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good  will  toward  men/’ 

(The  angels  softly  pass  out.) 

Reader.  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  angels  were 
gone  away  from  them  into  heaven,  the  shepherds  said  to 
one  another: 

(The  shepherds  watch  the  departing  angels  in  wonder  and 
awe;  then  one  turns  to  the  others  and  speaks.) 

Shepherd.  Let  us  now  go  even  unto  Bethlehem,  and 
see  this  thing  which  is  come  to  pass,  which  the  Lord 
hath  made  known  unto  us. 

(The  shepherds  pick  up  their  crooks  and  depart.) 
CURTAIN 

The  choir  sings:  “O,  little  town  of  Bethlehem.,, 
THE  NATIVITY 

The  screens  that  have  been  concealing  the  Nativity 
scene  are  removed  to  show  the  manger  scene.  In  the  cen- 
ter back  is  a cradle  or  wooden  box  bound  about  with  straw 
to  represent  a manger.  The  only  light  in  the  scene  is 
shining  out  of  the  manger  full  upon  Mary’s  face,  as  she 
is  seated  on  the  right  bending  over  it.  Joseph  is  standing 
just  back  of  the  manger.  There  are  two  boxes  at  the 
foot  of  the  manger  covered  with  rough  draperies,  and 
other  draperies  hang  at  the  back  of  the  scene.  An  elec- 
tric star  in  the  midst  of  pine  or  holly  is  placed  above 
the  scene,  but  is  not  lighted  until  the  wise  men  appear. 
The  curtain  parts  during  the  last  stanza. 

io 


Reader.  And  the  shepherds  came  with  haste  (The 
shepherds  enter  softly  at  the  left  and  kneel  close  to  the 
manger  with  hands  clasped  in  prayer)  and  found  Alary, 
and  Joseph,  and  the  babe  lying  in  a manger.  And  when 
they  had  seen  it,  they  made  known  abroad  the  saying 
which  was  told  them  concerning  this  child.  And  all  they 
that  heard  it  wondered  at  those  things  which  were  told 
them  by  the  shepherds.  But  Alary  kept  all  these  things, 
and  pondered  them  in  her  heart.  And  the  shepherds 
returned  (The  shepherds  rise  and  slowly  depart , looking 
back  at  the  manger  until  they  are  out  of  sight.)  glorify- 
ing and  praising  God  for  all  the  things  that  they  had  heard 
and  seen,  as  it  was  told  unto  them. 

Now  when  Jesus  was  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judsea  in 
the  days  of  Herod  the  king,  behold,  there  came  wise  men 
from  the  east  to  Jerusalem,  saying: 

Wise  AIen.  Where  is  he  that  is  born  King  of  the 
Jews?  for  we  have  seen  his  star  in  the  east,  and  are  come 
to  worship  him. 

(The  wise  men  are  standing  in  the  aisle  at  the  back  of 
the  church;  they  say  this  in  unison.) 

Reader.  When  Herod  the  king  had  heard  these 
things,  he  was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem  with  him.  And 
when  he  had  gathered  all  the  chief  priests  and  scribes 
of  the  people  together,  he  demanded  of  them  where 
Christ  should  be  born.  And  they  said  unto  him,  In 
Bethlehem  of  Judaea : for  thus  it  is  written  by  the 
prophet : And  thou  Bethlehem,  in  the  land  of  Juda,  art 
not  the  least  among  the  princes  of  Juda : for  out  of  thee 
shall  come  a Governor,  that  shall  rule  my  people  Israel. 
Then  Herod,  when  he  had  privily  called  the  wise  men, 
inquired  of  them  diligently  what  time  the  star  appeared. 
And  he  sent  them  to  Bethlehem,  and  said,  Go  and  search 
diligently  for  the  young  child ; and  when  ye  have  found 
him,  bring  me  word  again,  that  I may  come  and  wor- 
ship him  also.  When  they  had  heard  the  King,  they 
departed:  (At  the  word  “departed”  the  wise  men  begin 
to  walk  slowly  down  the  aisle,  and  the  star  appears ) and, 
lo,  the  star,  which  they  saw  in  the  east,  went  before  them, 
till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the  young  child  was. 
When  they  saw  the  star,  they  rejoiced  with  exceeding 
great  joy. 


II 


The  organ  strikes  the  opening  chord,  and  the  wise 
men  begin  to  sing:  “We  three  kings  of  Orient  are.”  They 
should  reach  the  steps  leading  to  the  pulpit  platform  at 
the  close  of  the  first  verse.  As  they  kneel  on  the  steps 
the  choir  joins  with  them  in  singing  the  chorus:  “0  star 
of  wonder,  star  of  light!” 

Reader.  And  when  they  were  come  into  the  house, 
they  saw  the  young  child  with  Mary  his  mother,  and 
fell  down,  and  worshipped  him:  and  when  they  had 
opened  their  treasures,  they  presented  unto  him  gifts; 
gold,  and  frankincense  and  myrrh.  And  being  warned 
of  God  in  a dream  that  they  should  not  return  to  Herod, 
they  departed  into  their  own  country  another  way. 

The  wise  men  remain  kneeling  until  the  reader  comes 
to  the  word  “gold” ; then  the  king  slowly  rises,  and 
ascending  the  steps,  kneels  in  front  of  the  manger  and 
removes  his  crown,  holding  it  above  his  head  for  a mo- 
ment so  that  the  congregation  may  plainly  see  his  gift. 
He  then  places  it  on  the  ground  before  the  manger  and 
remains  with  his  head  bovjed  in  silent  prayer  for  a few 
seconds  longer,  then  slowly  rises  and  descends  the  steps, 
watching  the  babe  all  the  time. 

When  he  is  again  kneeling  with  the  other  two,  the 
reader  continues  with  the  words,  “and  frankincense ” 
The  wise  man  having  the  censer  now  ascends  the  steps, 
and  kneeling,  swings  the  censer  high  above  the  manger, 
then  places  it  beside  the  crown,  and  departs  in  the  same 
zvay.  When  he  is  again  kneeling  zmth  the  others,  the 
reader  says,  “ and  myrrh,”  and  the  last  zoise  man  presents 
a silver  box,  as  the  others  presented  their  gifts.  When 
he  has  descended  the  steps,  the  three  remain  kneeling  to- 
gether in  worship  as  the  reading  continues.  At  the  close 
of  the  passage  they  raise  their  arms  in  adoration,  and 
bozo  low  in  oriental  fashion,  then  rise  and  depart,  pass- 
ing dozvn  the  other  aisle  from  that  by  zvhich  they  came. 
In  leaving,  they  must  keep  their  eyes  on  the  manger  and 
pause  to  look  back  at  it  as  they  pass  slowly  down  the 
aisle. 

When  the  Wise  Men  have  left  the  church  the  choir 
sings:  “Holy  night,  peaceful  night.”  As  the  music  be- 
gins, Joseph  leaves  the  place  where  he  has  been  standing, 
and  seating  himself  at  the  foot  of  the  manger,  at  the  left, 

12 


rests  his  hand  and  arm  upon  the  boxes  and  closes  his 
eyes  in  sleep.  Mary  covers  the  babe  with  a bit  of  white 
drapery  that  has  been  hanging  over  the  side  of  the  man- 
ger, and  continues  to  gaze  into  the  manger. 

Reader.  And  when  they  were  departed  behold  the 
Angel  of  the  Lord  appeareth  to  Joseph  in  a dream,  say- 
ing : 

(The  angel  passes  in  behind  Joseph  while  he  sleeps  and 

bends  over  him  as  he  speaks  with  hand  upraised.) 

Angel.  Arise,  and  take  the  young  child  and  his 
mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I 
bring  thee  word:  for  Herod  will  seek  the  young  child, 
to  destroy  him. 

(As  the  angel  departs,  Joseph  awakes.  He  sits  rapt  in 
thought,  looking  far  out  over  the  congregation,  as 
if  he  were  thinking  deeply  about  the  dream.  Finally 
he  turns  to  Mary  and  leans  toward  her  over  the 
manger.  She  responds  as  if  she  read  his  thoughts, 
and  together  they  rise.  They  pass  in  front  of  the 
manger.  Mary  takes  the  babe  in  her  arms,  while 
Joseph  stands  close  beside  her  with  one  arm  out- 
stretched protectingly.) 

Reader.  When  he  arose,  he  took  the  young  child  and 
his  mother  by  night,  and  departed  into  Egypt:  And  was 
there  until  the  death  of  Herod,  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  of  the  Lord  by  the  prophet,  saying, 
Out  of  Egypt  have  I called  my  son. 

(As  the  reader  speaks,  Mary  and  Joseph  depart  slowly, 
bearing  the  babe.  The  electric  light,  which  repre- 
sents the  babe,  is  concealed  by  the  draperies  which 
are  bound  about  it.  She  holds  it  in  such  a way  that 
the  light  from  it  shines  full  on  her  face.  When 
Joseph  and  Mary  have  departed  the  scene  is  left  in 
darkness.) 


If  a shorter  service  is  desired,  the  Temple  and  the 
Annunciation  scenes  can  be  omitted,  thus  having  only  the 
Shepherd  and  the  Nativity  scenes. 

If  the  children  are  to  act  out  the  story  of  the  birth 
of  Jesus,  the  rehearsals,  as  well  as  the  festival  itself, 

13 


must  be  held  in  the  deepest  spirit  of  reverence.  In  order 
to  maintain  this  spirit  and  also  keep  the  spontaneity  of 
it  all,  there  should  be  only  four  or  five  rehearsals.  The 
imaginations  of  the  children  can  be  stimulated  to  see 
and  feel  deeply  the  parts  that  they  are  taking.  They 
respond  quickly  to  the  thought  that  it  rests  with  them 
to  create  the  right  atmosphere  for  the  service,  and  that, 
unless  they  themselves  feel  that  deep  spirit  of  reverence, 
the  congregation  will  fail  to  be  stirred  by  it. 

Care  must  be  taken  to  select  for  the  principal  parts  the 
children  who  can  throw  themselves  into  it  without 
self-consciousness.  If  any  seem  to  lack  the  right  spirit 
of  reverence,  others  should  be  selected  to  take  their 
places. 


MUSIC 

There  should  be  soft  music  throughout  the  whole 
presentation ; after  each  carol  or  chant  the  organ  softly 
continues  the  refrain,  until  it  swells  again  into  the  next 
carol.  If  the  voices  of  any  of  the  children  who  have 
speaking  parts  are  not  strong  enough  to  be  heard  above 
the  music,  the  organ  should  stop  while  they  speak.  It 
is  most  important  that  the  one  who  is  to  read  the  Bible 
throughout  the  service  should  have  a sympathetic  voice, 
with  good  carrying  power,  as  she  must  read  behind  the 
scenes  and  be  heard  above  the  organ  music. 

The  Heavenly  Host  is  the  choir  which  sings  the  carols 
behind  the  scenes ; they  are  only  seen  once  when  they 
appear  to  the  Shepherds.  If  the  two  chants  are  too  diffi- 
cult for  the  children  two  or  three  older  people  can  sing 
these. 

“Draw  Nigh  Immanuel,”  “O  Little  Town  of  Bethle- 
hem,” “We  Three  Kings  of  Orient  Are,”  and  “Holy 
Night,  Peaceful  Night,”  are  found  in  Old  Christmas 
Carols  by  S.  Archer  Gibson,  Published  by  G.  Schirmer, 
New  York  (io  cents  a copy). 

“It  came  upon  the  Midnight  Clear”  is  in  all  church 
hymnals. 


COSTUMES 

Materials  for  nearly  all  the  costumes  can  be  found  at 
home.  Old  curtains,  draperies,  scarfs,  and  shawls  serve 


better  than  new  material  to  give  the  right  sort  of  color 
combination. 

The  costumes  of  the  angels  are  made  by  sewing  two 
strips  of  white  cheesecloth  together,  with  pieces  added 
for  the  flowing  sleeves.  The  angels  wear  long  gowns 
under  the  cheesecloth,  and  their  hair  hangs  loose,  with 
a band  of  gold  paper  bound  about  the  brow.  They  have 
no  wings. 

Zacharias  may  wear  a gown  that  combines  the  col- 
ors of  blue,  purple,  and  scarlet,  with  a blue  robe  draped 
over  it,  or  he  may  wear  white  linen  draped  with  blue. 
Blue  and  white  are  used  for  the  turban,  which  is  bound 
about  with  a gold  band  (Exodus  xxxix,  i,  22,  30,  31). 

Mary's  costume  is  soft  blue  draped  with  white.  In 
the  Nativity  scene  white  cheesecloth  is  draped  over  her 
head.  Joseph  may  wear  any  dark  color. 

The  shepherds  wear  little  brown  or  dark  blue  tunics, 
with  small  fur  rugs  hung  from  one  shoulder.  Their  feet 
are  bound  with  strips  of  brown  cloth  to  represent  sandals. 
Their  turbans  are  brown  or  blue.  They  carry  shepherds' 
crooks. 

The  wise  men  are  dressed  in  the  richest  and  most  regal 
costumes  that  can  be  had;  but  take  care  to  keep  a har- 
monious tone  combination. 

The  costumes  are  made  by  fastening  from  the  shoulder 
two  strips  of  material  that  hang  to  the  tops  of  the 
shoes,  and  are  se,wed  together  on  the  sides,  with  openings 
for  the  arms.  Over  the  gown  is  fastened  a long  drapery, 
which  flows  from  the  shoulder  out  behind  like  a train.  It 
is  not  necessary  for  all  three  to  have  trains.  Silk  scarfs 
make  good  turbans  for  the  wise  men.  The  king  wears 
a gilt  crown  over  his  turban.  Chains  or  other  ornaments 
that  add  to  the  richness  of  the  costumes  are  effective. 


PROPERTIES 


The  seven-branched  candlestick,  the  brazier  and  the 
censer  can  often  be  hired  from  a Russian  brass  shop. 
The  incense  can  be  bought  at  any  store  where  church 
supplies  are  sold.  A few  pieces  of  red-hot  charcoal 
placed  in  the  brazier  makes  the  best  fuel  on  which  to 
sprinkle  the  incense.  Two  red-hot  coals  are  enough  for 
the  incense  in  the  censer. 


IS 


The  light  placed  in  the  manger  is  a hand  electric  light. 
It  must  be  strong  enough  to  produce  the  right  effect. 
The  light  should  be  tied  to  a small  pillow,  and  the  whole 
wrapped  about  with  white  linen  or  cheesecloth  in  the 
manner  of  an  infant’s  dress.  Great  care  must  be  taken 
to  have  the  light  itself  entirely  concealed  by  the  cheese- 
cloth, otherwise  it  may  be  seen  when  Mary  lifts  it  from 
the  manger. 

A battery  with  a small  electric  light  at  the  end  of  a 
long  cord  can  be  used  for  the  star.  The  light  is  placed 
in  a small  box,  one  side  of  which  has  been  cut  in  the 
shape  of  a star  and  covered  with  red  tissue  paper,  through 
which  the  light  shines.  The  box  is  fastened  in  the  midst 
of  some  holly  above  the  scene. 


CURTAIN 


WHY  THE  CHIMES  RANG.  A play  in  one  act  by  Elizabeth 

McFadden.  Adapted  from  the  story  of  the  same  name  by  R.  M. 
Alden.  Especially  recommended  as  a Christmas  play  because:  It 

teaches  the  story  of  the  Christ  child,  rather  than  the  Byzantine 
legend  of  Santa  Claus.  It  may  be  adapted  to  the  ritual  of  any 
Christian  denomination  by  slight  changes  of  costume  and  setting. 
It  offers  a rare  opportunity  for  exquisite  church  music.  It  may  be 
given  in  the  barest  room,  against  a background  of  Christmas  greens, 
or  it  may  be  presented  with  the  most  lavish  equipment  of  a profes- 
sional theatre,  yet  both  productions  will  thrill  the  imagination  and 
touch  the  heart.  It  teaches  the  beauty  of  a charity  that  gives  heart 
and  service  as  well  as  gold.  Price,  35  cents. 

THE  CHRISTMAS  STORY,  dramatized  by  Virginia  A.  Gris- 
wold. This  is  the  Bible  story  of  the  birth  of  the  Christ,  using  the 
Bible  language  as  far  as  possible.  It  lends  itself  to  four  scenes: 
The  hill  .country  of  Judea,  the  throne-room  of  Herod,  the  market- 
place in  Bethlehem  and  the  stable  with  the  manger.  It  can  be 
produced  in  the  simplest  manner  on  a platform,  or  with  all  the 
Oriental  setting  and  accessories  which  the  imagination  and  means 
can  provide.  Plays  about  an  hour,  and  any  number  of  people,  adults 
and  children,  can  be  used.  Makes  an  admirable  Christmas  enter- 
tainment and  is  well  adapted  for  the  use  of  churches  and  schools. 
Price,  35  cents. 

THE  NIGHT  BEFORE  CHRISTMAS.  A Christmas  play  in 

three  short  acts  by  William  Patterson  Taylor.  The  NIGHT  BE- 
FORE CHRISTMAS  is  a little  play  in  three  acts  which  may  be 
produced  well  within  an  hour.  Tne  first  act  presents  the  wondrous 
and  hurried  night  before  Christmas  preparation  activities  in  Santa’s 
workshop  at  the  North  Pole.  The  second  act  is  a night  before 
Christmas  home  bed-chamber  incident,  involving  the  desperate  situa- 
tion resulting  from  a childish  difference  between  two  brothers,  which 
difference — “made  up”  true — introduces,  also,  the  woeful  possibilities 
of  Santa’s  calamitous  displeasure.  (In  this  and  the  last  act  the 
children’s  classic,  ‘‘The  Night  Before  Christmas,”  is  dramatized.) 
In  the  third  act  “All’s  well  that  ends  well.”  A quartette  supplies  the 
music.  This  little  play  has  grown  during  years  of  local  use  by  the 
author  and  others.  Its  unbroken  success  in  stirring  and  impressing 
the  children  (and  the  “grown-ups,”  too — whom,  also,  the  author 
aimed  to  reach)  was  urged  as  a reason  for  its  publication.  Strongly 
recommended  as  an  entertainment  for  the  holiday  season.  Price,  30 
cents. 

A DREAM  ON  CHRISTMAS  EVE.  a very  pleasing  enter- 
tainment for  little  folks,  by  Ina  Home.  Time  about  thirty  minutes, 
but  it  can  be  lengthened  to  any  duration  by  the  further  introduction 
■of  each  child’s  specialty.  The  costumes  are  aocording  to  the  char- 
acter represented  and  are  easily  made.  The  story  is  the  dream  of  a 
little  girl  on  Christmas  eve,  in  which  she  views  the  good  things 
which  she  is  to  receive  on  the  morrow.  Santa  Claus  enters  and 
while  filling  the  stocking  tells  a story  of  the  little  people  to  whom 
he  gives  his  presents.  Then  the  Christmas  pudding  enters  and  tells 
how  she  was  made.  Then  the  pumpkin  pie,  the  holly,  mistletoe,  ice 
cream,  crackers,  candy,  etc.,  enter  and  tell  their  stories.  The  play 
is  easy  to  give  and  can  be  held  in  the  class  room,  Sunday-school 
or  a home.  Price,  30  cents. 

THE  TOY  SHOP.  A new  and  original  entertainment  for  children 
by  F.  S.  Isham  and  Edward  Weitzel,  with  some  new  and  up-to-date 
music.  No  special  number  required.  Particularly  adapted  to  school 
or  Sunday-school  entertainments.  One  of  the  best  entertainments  for 
children  published.  Price  30  cents. 


SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Publisher,  25  West  Forty-fifth  Sfe 
New  York  City 


3 0112  062144842 


THE  STAR  IN  THE  EAST.  Bible  play  in  four  acts  by  Anna 

Jane  Harnwell.  9 males,  4 females.  Plays  a full  evening.  Biblical 
costumes.  This  four  act  drama  is  one  of  the  prize  plays  resulting 
from  the  contest  recently  held  by  the  Drama  League  of  America 
in  the  hope  of  securing  much  needed  Biblical  scenes  for  use  in  the 
religious  schools.  A drama  of  the  Book  of  Esther.  It  is  written 
in  blank  verse,  and  adheres  closely  to  the  Bible  narrative.  Mor- 
decai  is  the  star  role  for  a man,  but  the  characters  of  Esther, 
Vashti  and  the  King  are  almost  equally  good.  The  very  beautiful 
and  dramatio  setting  of  the  Old  Testament  story  makes  it  quite 
as  interesting  as  a secular  production,  though  it  is  especially  suit- 
able for  church  or  Sunday  School  use.  'Settings  as  simple  or  as 
elaborate  as  desired.  Price  35  cents. 


JEPTHAH’S  DAUGHTER.  Biblical  drama  in  1 act,  by  Elma 
Ehrlich  Levinger.  5 males,  6 females.  This  one-act  drama  of 
the  time  of  Esther  is  one  of  the  prize  plays  resulting  from  the 
contest  recently  held  by  the  Drama  League  of  America  in  the  hope 
of  securing  much  needed  material  on  Biblical  themes  for  use  in  the 
religious  schools.  It  presents  the  familiar  story  from  a new  and 
dramatic  angle,  with  a strong  element  of  suspense.  The  characters 
are  vividly  drawn,  the  dialogue  poetic  without  being  stilted.  It 
may  be  presented  either  with  simple  settings  and  a small  group,  or 
as  a pageant  play  with  elaborate  scenic  effects,  a large  cast  and 
interpolated  choruses  and  group  dances.  Price  35  cents. 


THE  NATIVITY.  A Christmas  festival  composed  entirely  of  selec- 
tions from  the  Bible  story  of  the  Nativity,  arranged  as  a mystery 
play.  It  is  accompanied  by  carols  and  is  adapted  for  easy  pro- 
duction by  children  or  young  people,  to  be  given  as  a service  at 
Christmas  time  in  the  churches.  The  “Nativity”  was  published 
a few  years  ago  in  the  “Youth’s  Companion.”  Since  that  time 
there  has  been  so  large  a demand  for  it  by  churches  of  all  de- 
nominations we  have  arranged  for  its  publication.  Price,  35  cents. 


SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Publisher,  25  West  Forty-fifth  St. 
New  York  City 


